The Douglas Street bridge spanning Coon Creek in Iola is off limits to traffic while the city determines the bridge’s fate.
The bridge failed a recent Kansas Department of Transportation inspection, citing the structure’s deteriorating pier and abutment.
The city has two options: repair or demolish.
Iola City Council members directed Assistant City Administrator Corey Schinstock and Street and Alley Superintendent Dan Leslie to determine which option would be less expensive, and whether the city could eventually afford to have it rebuilt.
The bridge was built in 1930, according to KDOT inspection reports, and averages about 50 cars a day.
In a related matter, Iola police officers will pay close attention to traffic flow along some blocks of North Sycamore Street to determine whether parking should be limited on either side of the thoroughfare.
Having cars parked on both sides occasionally makes it difficult for passing cars to squeeze through.
“Parking is a hot topic, so we will give it some careful thought,” Iola Police Chief Jared Warner told city councilmen Monday.
Douglas Street bridge closed
